Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Budi Santoso
17/08/2025
Agung Adit, Pexels
Sanur presents itself as a serene coastal escape on Bali's eastern shore, offering a tranquil ambiance for those seeking relaxation and a family-friendly environment. Its calm waters and long beachfront promenade provide a peaceful setting for gentle activities and stunning sunrises.
While maintaining a relaxed pace, Sanur's social scene is quietly evolving. Along Jalan Danau Tamblingan, visitors discover various cafes, restaurants, and bars that often feature live music, providing enjoyable evening options. The vibrant Sindhu Night Market also offers a lively setting to experience local flavors and engage with the community.
Top 7 Things to do in Sanur
Sanur offers a blend of relaxed coastal experiences, vibrant local markets, and accessible water activities, providing a serene escape for visitors.
1. Cycle along the Sanur Beach Path
Experience the gentle charm of Sanur by cycling along its well-maintained 7-8 kilometre beachfront path. This flat and scenic route offers continuous views of the ocean, traditional fishing boats, and shaded rest areas, making it suitable for all ages. It is a peaceful way to explore the coastline, passing various cafes, restaurants, and resorts.
Cost: Bicycle rentals are readily available along the beach path, typically costing around IDR 25,000 per hour or IDR 50,000 for an 8-hour rental.
Transport: The beach path is easily accessible on foot from most accommodations in central Sanur. Bicycles can be rented directly along the path.
2. Witness the Sunrise over Sanur Beach
Begin the day by observing a stunning sunrise over the calm waters of Sanur. This east-facing coastline offers a picturesque start to the morning, with the possibility of seeing Mount Agung in the distance on clear days. The atmosphere is serene, often shared with locals and tourists jogging or walking along the promenade. Cemara Beach and Matahari Terbit Beach are noted as excellent spots for this experience.
Cost: Free
Transport: The beaches are easily walkable from many central Sanur hotels. Alternatively, a short taxi or ride-hailing app (Grab/Gojek) ride to various beach points is an option.
3. Explore Sindhu Night Market (Pasar Sindhu)
Immerse oneself in local life and culinary delights at the bustling Sindhu Night Market. This vibrant market transforms in the evenings, offering a wide array of affordable Indonesian street food, fresh produce, and various goods. It provides an authentic experience of local flavours and a lively community atmosphere.
Cost: Entry is free; food and goods are affordably priced.
Transport: The market is within walking distance of many central Sanur hotels. For those further away, a bemo ride costs around IDR 5,000, or a taxi/ride-hailing app is available.
4. Engage in Water Sports
Sanur's calm and reef-protected waters are ideal for various water sports, catering to both beginners and those seeking light adventure. Options include snorkeling to explore underwater reefs, kayaking or canoeing on the gentle waves, and exhilarating rides on jet skis, banana boats, or rolling donuts. These activities provide a refreshing perspective of the coastline and its marine life.
Cost: Prices vary by activity and duration. Jet ski rentals start from approximately IDR 450,000 for 15 minutes (single rider). Banana boat rides can be found for around IDR 235,000 per person for 15 minutes (minimum two participants for online bookings). Snorkeling tours or gear rentals may cost approximately USD 15-25 per person. Equipment can be rented from vendors directly on the beach.
Transport: Water sports operators are located along Sanur Beach, particularly around Semawang Beach and Mertasari Harbour, which are easily reachable by walking or a short taxi/ride-hailing app ride from most Sanur accommodations.
5. Visit the Sanur Morning Market
Experience the daily rhythm of local life at the Sanur Morning Market (Pasar Tradisional Desa Sanur). It is an opportunity to observe vendors selling fresh produce, meat, fish, flowers, and local snacks. Arriving early provides the best selection and a chance to see the market in full swing.
Cost: Entry is free; costs depend on purchases. Bargaining is common.
Transport: Similar to the night market, it is often walkable from central areas. Bemo rides cost around IDR 5,000 along the Sanur strip, or a taxi/ride-hailing app can be used.
6. Indulge in a Balinese Spa Treatment
Sanur is an ideal destination for relaxation, offering numerous spas and wellness centres. Guests can enjoy a traditional Balinese massage or other therapeutic treatments, providing a peaceful escape from daily routines.
Cost: Costs vary significantly depending on the spa and type of treatment.
Transport: Many spas are located along Jalan Danau Tamblingan, the main street of Sanur, and are often within walking distance or a short taxi/ride-hailing app ride from hotels.
7. Take a Day Trip to the Nusa Islands
Although not located directly in Sanur, the town's harbour serves as the primary departure point for fast boats to the nearby Nusa Islands: Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. These islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, including dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and vibrant underwater life perfect for snorkeling and diving with manta rays.
Cost: A return fast boat ticket to Nusa Penida can start from around USD 19. Full-day snorkeling and land tours to Nusa Penida often include transfers, lunch, and activities, with prices varying from around USD 44 to USD 137 or more for private options.
Transport: Fast boats depart frequently from Sanur Harbour. Transfers from your Sanur accommodation to the harbour are often included in tour packages, or a taxi/ride-hailing app can be used.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
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